Pennsylvania businessman David LeVan (former Conrail CEO) has again brought a proposal before the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for Mason Dixon Resort & Casino, a slots and table games establishment with accompanying hotel and conference center, to be located in historic Gettysburg, PA. While it may be easy to frame such an institution as an answer to the sagging local economy, quick and dirty solutions do not last. Gettysburg, PA is obviously a far throw from Las Vegas. An invasive and antithetical luxury business in a small town may very likely create more problems and divisions than it solves or heals. Increased traffic, crime, and a general cheapening of hallowed historical grounds…to name a few? If Americans are to learn from the past decade of financial infrastructure debacles, then legislators, business men/women, and citizens must think and plan for their towns in terms of sustainable business practices, rather than fast, flashy payoffs.
Passions for and against the proposal run high. Supporters laud the idea for its anticipated virtues of increasing “heritage tourism” and creating jobs in a small town with growing numbers of unemployed residents. Opponents are outraged at the proximity to historic sites and the negative changes it will bring to Gettysburg as one of the rare American towns that has maintained its small, rural charm for hundreds of years.
From NO CASINO GETTYSBURG:
In 2005 and 2006 No Casino Gettysburg helped prevent the proposed “Crossroads” casino just one mile from the Gettysburg National Military Park. Now the same investor who proposed that project is at it again. David LeVan wants to establish a “resort” casino even closer, just 1/2 mile from the southern border of the Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg PA. This casino would be on the property of Eisenhower Inn and Conference Center on the historic Emmitsburg Rd. (old business route 15) – the Journey Through Hallowed Ground, which cuts directly through Pickett’s charge.
This predatory business just doesn’t fit in this location. Gettysburg is America’s most beloved small town, the site of what some historians consider the most important battle of American history. People visit here because they can relax in a family friendly community. We don’t want the identity of our town changed to a “casino town”.
————————-
On June 9, the York Daily Record reports that 2/3 of the Gettysburg Chamber of Commerce is backing the proposal. Is this a sick joke?!
